CSU preview: Big improvements for secondary

SECONDARYNewcomers: Redshirt freshman Ezra Thompson assured himself of a placer in the safety rotation while incoming freshmen Najee James and Shaq Bell could see the redshirts pulled early. Late junior college signee Dominique Vinson will help soon at cornerback.

Biggest losses: CB Nick Oppenneer is now a graduate assistant coach.

Strengths: This is a fairly experienced group with maybe more speed than years. The heart of the secondary is Elijah-Blu Smith, a brutal hitter with cornerback speed. Some of the best competition of pre-fall camp came among the safeties. An improved pass rush can’t help but make the secondary look better.

Weaknesses: There’s experience at CB in DeAngelo Wilkinson and Momo Thomas (some remember him as Gerard Thomas). There’s not much experience behind those two.

What to look for: This group has the makings of the best secondary in years. There are indications of some depth, there’s the leadership in Elijah-Blue Smith and Momo Thomas. If a few hitters emerge to join Smith and if the group is as successful forcing interceptions as it was in two-a-days, it will mark a huge improvement over last season.